Source: US$500 000 revolving fund for ZCC members – herald
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
THE Government yesterday initiated the US$500 000 Presidential Empowerment Scheme for Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members aiming to enhance the livelihoods of church members in recognition of the role the church plays in the socio-economic development of the country.
During the launch, held at Defe Dopota shrine in Gokwe North during the Zuva RaSamere commemorations day, the church received an initial investment of US$500 000 to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.
This programme forms part of President Mnangagwa’s comprehensive plan to promote economic autonomy to the church, the youths and women in line with Vision 2030.
Dr Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Advisor on Investments, highlighted the significance of this empowerment initiative to thousands of ZCC members aimed at fostering socio-economic growth in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The scheme’s launch underscores the Government’s commitment to recognising the vital role played by the church in Zimbabwe’s national development,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara said the Presidential Empowerment Scheme for ZCC is the brain child of President Mnangagwa whose vision is to see an empowered society by 2030.
“President Mnangagwa wishes to see an empowered society by 2030 and this is part of the empowerment programme. I have been to many launch programmes but I must say I have never witnessed so many people in one place like we have here at Defe Dopota.
“Today we have this vision by President Mnangagwa, a vision of an upper-middle-economy by 2030 through empowering of churches and the general society, “ he said.
Dr Tungwarara said the money will be divided into US$50 000 to benefit ZCC members in all the 10 provinces.
“It’s better to have an empowered Christian community. Let’s unite in fighting poverty, let fight drug and substance abuse by empowering the youths and their elders. Each province is getting US$50 000 for ZCC members. In each of the 10 provinces, a revolving fund. It’s for you to come up with something for the growth of the church members and the country at large. This is a seed from President Mnangagwa. A blessed seed from a blessed leader who was elected by God. It is God who chooses his leaders. We will also bring more computers, “ he said.
Meanwhile, the Government also launched the Presidential Computer Programme to equip Information Communication Technology laboratory at Defe Dopota Primary school.
Under the programme, President Mnangagwa donated over 30 computers handed over to the school by the Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri who was in the company of the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera.
Addressing the ZCC members, Minister Matevera said, “We have come with 30 computers to start a computer lab at Defe Dopota Primary School. We also have five Starlinks for this place. We trained 1 000 pupils on digital skills and they will receive certificates for the course,” she said.
Minister Matevera said through the computer laboratory, the Government aims to have every child learning digital skills.
The Government is targeting the training of 1,5 million coders as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
“As a ministry we talk of 1,5 million coders and we have seen a lot of children passing through and getting the skills. We have provided base stations so that people have access to the internet. President Mnangagwa wants to see people embracing ICT. The Government will continue assisting the people, especially those in marginalised places,” she said.
Minister of Skills Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavima commended the Second Republic for pushing development programmes in Gokwe Sengwa Constituency.“We have a dam under construction, we got boreholes we requested for and a piped water scheme under Chief Mutendi and Chief Masunda from tank one to tank nine all through the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Prof Mavima commended President Mnangagwa for spearheading the installation of electricity at Dopota Primary School.
“We appreciate the Presidential computer programme, this is happening even in clinics where they are doing tele medicine,” he said.
Prof Mavima took a trip down memory lane, recalling a remarkable event from his youth.
“Bishop Mutendi, I recall 1976 in Mateta when we witnessed a moon unlike any other we had seen before,” he said.
“This moon was moving at an unusual pace, and we hastened home. We were later informed that it was an unidentified flying object, and I personally saw it.”
The minister’s eyes sparkled as he reflected on his journey with the church. “In 1979, I began attending your congregation when it was still small,” he continued. “However, I am now astounded by the global reach you have achieved with this church. Your leadership is truly divinely appointed.”
As a representative of the Sengwa constituency, Prof Mavima expressed gratitude for the blessings emanating from Defe Dopota, a sacred site that attracts annual pilgrims.
“What was once a game reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation,” he observed.
“Beyond the pilgrimage, we envision developing religious tourism in the area, further enhancing the significance of Defe Dopota.”
The minister’s heartfelt tribute to Bishop Mutendi’s leadership and the church’s growth was met with warm applause, underscoring the profound impact of the church on its followers and the broader community.
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